Macro Economic Influence Factors
Where are we headed, what is pushing us in a global market?
The food supply is being strained to keep up with demand - current agricultural systems are already operating at full capacity and cannot expand at the same rate as both population growth and demand for a higher value, animal protein based diet. This rate of growth is not sustainable.
Population growth and the Food supply
Anticipated Impact: we will experience a shift in the food supply first expressed in increasing prices for certain crops, fish and animals, then a move towards more efficient plants and species, towards more local based, energy efficient forms of agriculture. The cost and availability of animal protein in particular will require concept/menu changes.
Agriculture is the largest single contributor of greenhouse gases, generating as much as 1/3rd of total output. Many of the synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and large animal holdings also cause a severe strain on local environments. Farming is in the process of changing towards a sustainabilty model also referred to as 'regenerative'.
The 4 per thousand initiative to combat climate change
Restoring biodiversity to agricultural soils
Anticipated Impact: This implies more seasonality in the availability of products, forcing corresponding adjustments first of all in the supply chain, supporting farmers focused on no till farming, the use of cover crops to restore biodiversity into the soil. It then impacts food service menus which have to be flexible enought to deal with a more irregular supply of fresh products throughout the year. It will require an increasing focus on local sourcing and the most efficient types of agricultural products that match local soil, climate, water, infrastructure conditions.
A clear link can be made between nutrition and health. The US today spends the highest amount of GDP on health care of any country, but cannot begin to provide adequate services to all. Much of this enormous cost is caused by our food.
The Economic Impact of Obesity
Anticipated Impact: Political pressure will rise proportionately with reforms in health care to reduce cost and increase efficiency. Most impacted will be any systems operator using highly processed types of food and beverages. This is the most exciting development, offering clear competitive advantages to the alert operator.
Based on a study collaboration between the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) and the Harvard School of Public Health, substantial changes are ahead which will transform the food service industry.
The most powerful driver of change, of course, is the consumer. The amount of information available today on the net, in forums, from the medical field is forceful. The operator who can leverage all this and combine nutrition with a fun, colorful, experience focused menu will win. Please contact us for a specific discussion.
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